[Question #12421] PREP contraindications

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7 months ago
Hello, I have a question about PREP contraindications, as I've gotten some conflicting information. I recently went to a local LGBT center to get on prep and doxypep. Everything went smoothly, got my full panel of tests, HPV and MPOX vaccinations, and a prescription for generic Truvada and Doxy. When reading the fine print for the generic truvada, one of the contraindications is anti-seizure medications, phenytoin being one of them. I have been on Dilantin/phenytoin 300mg daily for over 20 years now, for a focal aware seizure disorder I have had since I was a child. I did state on my intake forms that I am on this medication, but was prescribed the prep with no discussion about it.
I later contacted an infectious disease doctor who specializes in men's health here in my city, and asked him about this. According to him, it would be fine for me to be on prep. I am however a bit nervous, as from what I've read, phenytoin can decrease the effectiveness. I'm pretty disheartened by this, as I've recently come out and taken steps to explore this side of myself in a safe way, and now I'm concerned that I can't. My hope is that someone here can confirm or deny what the Dr told me, and perhaps shed some more light on the situation. Thank you!
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
7 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question and your confidence in our forum. Congratulations on the responsibility for sexual safety implied by these plans. There's an easy answer to your dilemma.


Until reading this, I was unaware of the problem with phenytoin and dolutegravir, one of the two drugs in Truvada and its generic versions (the other is called emtricitabine) -- and apparently your ID doc also wasn't aware. Phenytoin speeds up metabolism of dolutegravir, reducing its blood levels. Whether it would remain effective as PrEP hasn't been studied; my best judgment is that it probably would still be effective as PrEP, but you don't need to take the chance. Ask your LGBT center (or perhaps the ID specialist) to prescribe Descovy instead of Truvada. Descovy is emtricitabine plus tenofovir, which has no interaction with phenytoin -- you can take them together with complete confidence in PrEP effectiveness. The main problem might be cost, depending on your insurance coverage:  unlike Truvada, there is no generic version of Descovy. That said, it should be possible to prescribe tenofovir and emtricitabine separately; discuss with your clinic or doctor. (FYI, if you google "drug interactions", you'll find several websites where you can enter any combination of two or more drugs to see if there is any interference between them.)


Final comment:  PrEP is highly effective to prevent HIV and doxy-PEP prevents syphilis, chlamydia and to a lesser extent gonorrhea, I hope you also will use condoms for anal sex with new or non-monogamous partners. Gonorrhea isn't to be taken likely, and of course there are other STDs you should hope to prevent, like herpes, HPV, and Mycoplasma genitalium


I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.


HHH, MD



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7 months ago
Thank you for the reply Dr. Handsfield. I'm a bit confused however.  As you said Descovy is emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. The generic Truvada I have is emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate- not dolutegravir.
When researching Descovy contraindications, there are also warnings that Descovy and phenytoin should not be taken together.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
7 months ago
Well, that's embarrassing. Thank you for the correction. I have no personal experience using Descovy and thought it contained dolutegravir, not just a different form or tenofovir. My apologies. 

So here are some other options to discuss with your doctors:  1) Ask their advice about other anti HIV drugs, such as Dovato (dolutegravir plus lamiviudine) or other similar combinations (On quick check, there is no interaction of lamivudine with phenytoin). That a particular antiretroviral drug has not yet been studied for its efficacy as PrEP doesn't mean it won't work, only that the research isn't yet available. Probably all the drugs effective for HIV treatment also would work well for prevention. 2) Perhaps a higher than usual dose of tenofovir/emtriciitabine would be safe and work around the lower blood level due to phenytoin. Many HIV/AIDS clinics have all time pharmacists or pharmacologists who could look into this. 3) Discuss alternate anti-epileptic treatment with that doctor, i.e. something other than phenytoin. While this is well outside my expertise, new and effective agents have become available over the years.

Finally, don't forget that condoms work:  consistent use for anal sex, combined with discussions with potential partners about their HIV status, remains highly effective HIV prevention. It shouldn't be a personal tragedy to not have access to PrEP.

Apologies again for my transient misunderstanding. And Merry Christmas!
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